Criminal Defense

If you're facing criminal charges, let our experienced attorneys provide the defense you need. Whether you've been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, the Law Offices of Smith and Kurbatova are prepared to review your options and determine the best strategy for your case. Our criminal defense attorneys will work to have the charges against you reduced or dropped entirely. We'll ensure you understand your rights and are represented properly in a court of law. Based in Casselberry, our attorneys have experience defending a variety of criminal charges, including but not limited to:

DUI

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) & Reckless Driving

Being convicted of DUI is a serious charge that can lead to the suspension of your license and a prison sentence, even for a first offense. There are many variables involved in determining the consequences for a DUI charge, including blood alcohol content level at the time of arrest and the number of past offenses. Furthermore, the charge itself can be challenged based on the circumstances of the arrest.

Similar to a DUI charge, Reckless Driving can lead to serious consequences, particularly after the first offense. In the state of Florida, the crime is defined as driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Depending on your circumstances, a Reckless Driving charge can become complicated if, for example, damages occur to a person or property.

Because of the complexity involved in both charges, it is important to have an Orlando attorney with extensive knowledge of Florida's criminal laws. The best decision when charged with DUI or Reckless Driving is to consult with one of our skilled attorneys. We have the experience in criminal defense necessary to defend your case and assist you throughout this process.

Driving While License Suspended or Revoked

Even a minor infraction can affect your driving record, and that can lead to serious issues in the future. Driving with a suspended license more than once can lead to felony charges, so it's important to take these charges seriously. Our boutique firm is prepared to handle any case regarding driving offenses. To avoid further complications and future incidents, rely on our Casselberry office for legal consultation.

Drug Offenses

Drug offenses range from Drug Possession to Drug Trafficking, and the charges corresponding to each offense vary depending on the drug and the amount of it in question. These variables could mean the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor, so penalties for drug offenses range from a $1000 fine and a year in jail to a $500,000 fine and a life sentence in prison. Due to the severity of these penalties and the importance of details in a case, a strong and thorough defense is important when charged with any drug-related crime. Our experienced Central Florida attorneys will review your file and create the best argument for your case.

Resisting Arrest

Resisting arrest is defined by the state of Florida as willfully resisting, obstructing, or opposing any officer. Resisting arrest without violence is a first-degree misdemeanor while resisting arrest with violence is a third-degree felony. Depending on the circumstances of the arrest, there are various ways to form a defense, which our Orlando attorneys can do upon evaluating your case. Contact our office to schedule a consultation, and one of our attorneys will review your file.

MISDEMEANORS VS. FELONIES

The difference between these criminal offenses is that felonies are generally violent crimes with a greater chance of a serious penalty, such as doing time in a state or federal prison. Examples of a felony include drug trafficking and robbery. In contrast, a misdemeanor is a nonviolent crime that is more likely to result in a penalty of monetary fines or less than one year in a county jail. Examples of a misdemeanor include drug possession in small quantities and shoplifting.

Regardless of which offense you've been charged with, any criminal conviction can have a long-lasting effect on you and your family. Criminal charges can affect your reputation and interfere with your career, making an experienced lawyer vital in these circumstances. Our Central Florida attorneys have the experience and knowledge required to represent you against the State. Trust the Law Offices of Smith and Kurbatova to provide the personalized attention and calculated strategy necessary for every criminal defense.

THE IMPACT OF CRIMINAL CHARGES ON A NON-US CITIZEN

Non-citizens in the United States refers to legal Permanent Residents (or "Green Card holders") visa holders (such as student and employment visas), persons without legal residence but with a work permit (such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA), and persons without legal status. If you are an immigrant in the United States with one of the above circumstances and are facing criminal charges, you could have serious immigration consequences if you are convicted, such as deportation and/or denial of admission or Naturalization.

Hiring a capable attorney to reduce or eliminate the charges against you is the best option when confronting criminal charges as a non-citizen. Our Orlando attorneys understand the Florida laws and have the knowledge to help minimize the effects on your immigration status. We have experience with Immigration law and will be able to handle every aspect of your case. For a consultation, contact our Casselberry office at (407) 477-4143.

If you have already been convicted of a criminal charge and are applying for Naturalization, your criminal record is likely to be an obstacle, as committing certain felonies makes you ineligible for US citizenship. Other offenses may be temporary bars to Naturalization, which will prevent you from qualifying for citizenship for a certain period of time after the offense.

Based in Casselberry, our attorneys have the broad range of experience that is necessary in such circumstances. Our boutique firm has handled crimmigration cases in the past and can help you determine the best course of action. For more information on Immigration law, please see our page on Immigration in "Areas of Law."